In a case that has gripped the state of Oklahoma and touched hearts beyond, the mysterious and “suspicious disappearance” of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, has prompted an exhaustive search. The two women, who were last known to be traveling together to pick up children, have vanished, leaving behind more questions than answers.
Disappearance Amidst a Custody Dispute
The alarming situation came to light when Butler and Kelley failed to arrive at their intended destination to pick up the children, a plan detailed in an endangered missing persons advisory shared by the Texas County Sheriff’s Department. The subsequent discovery of their abandoned vehicle on the side of a road has only deepened the concern for their welfare.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Veronica Butler was reportedly entangled in a heated custody dispute, as shared by her stepmother, Guadalupe Torres, and father, Clinton Butler, with NBC News. While the specifics of whose children they were supposed to pick up remain unclear, the connection between Butler and Kelley, presumed friends, adds a poignant layer to their disappearance.
The Community and Authorities Rally
The Texas County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), is spearheading the investigation, appealing to the public for any leads. “Agents are still working around the clock on this to try to find where these women are, what may have occurred,” OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the search and the lack of suspects or reported threats against the women.
Descriptions of the women have been circulated widely, with Butler noted for her red hair, green eyes, and several tattoos, and Kelley recognized by her brown hair, blue eyes, and a distinctive butterfly tattoo on her left forearm.
A Community in Prayer
The emotional toll of this investigation has resonated throughout the community, especially within the congregation of Willow Christian Church in Indianola. A recent Facebook post from the church announced a “time of prayer” for the missing women, inviting attendees to share verses or notes of encouragement for the families enduring this harrowing ordeal.
Jilian Kelley’s connection to the church through her husband, Heath Kelley, the church’s new minister appointed in November, underscores the depth of the community’s involvement and concern. The Kansas City Star further highlights this relationship, though attempts to reach Heath Kelley and the church for comment have been unsuccessful.
How You Can Help
As the search continues, authorities urge anyone with information about Butler’s and Kelley’s whereabouts to contact the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. The collective hope is for a resolution that brings peace to their families and the broader community, shining a light on the importance of community vigilance and solidarity in times of crisis.
